No names, no pack drill but the pace had definitely taken its toll for a certain person although it should be borne in mind that he had set off from Portsmouth at 0600 that morning in order to attend the funeral at 1130.

31 Jul 09

Crossed the Bar - David Ellis

Ex-CD1 Cris Ballinger has informed me that MCDOA member Dave Ellis died last night at the Mt Edgcumbe Hospice at St Austell in Cornwall after a protracted illness.  Cris had spent the past few days at his bedside but I was reluctant to publish news of his condition until I secured the permission of his son, Steve.

Dave, an SD ex-RS, and I were on the 1976 LMCDO Course with Paul Baines, Bernie Bruen, Jim Hewitt (later transferred back to the Canadian Navy), Terry Iles, Grenville Johnson, Gerry Kelly (later transferred to the Royal Australian Navy), Chris Meatyard, Kjell Rein (Royal Norwegian Navy), Chris Thompson and Steve Wild.  Our Course Officer was Ralph Mavin and our Course Instructors were Joe Maher and Mick Kester. 

Dave later relieved me as LTO at HMS Vernon and was Course Officer for LMCDO '84A and LMCDO '84B.  Like me, he was also involved with the Saudi Minehunter Project.  His career spanned the full gamut of MCD jobs at sea and ashore and he even returned as a Full Time Reservist to help administer the Sea Cadet organisation in London.  He spent most of his latter life on his smallholding near Truro in Cornwall.

Steve Ellis informs me that his father's funeral is to take place in Cornwall and I have put him in touch with Chris Thompson who lives and works in Plymouth.  I have also passed Steve, his mother Liz and his sister Julie our sincere condolences.

Left: Dave Ellis performing C&M at Horsea Island in 1976

Right: Off watch moment - Liz & Dave Ellis with me playing the fool

From LMCDO '84 graduate John Burden:

"Rob,

So sad to hear news of Dave Ellis, just dreadful, not been a good year for our course.  I think I have missed much of what is going on as my e-mail is probably not correct on your contact list.  If you could amend to it to this, that should do the trick.

Regards,

John"

From MCDOA member Mike Kooner:

"Rob,

Unfortunately I cannot make it to Dave's funeral but please pass on my condolences.  I do have many a story about David, who always reminded me of Del Boy Trotter!

We will not talk about his run in with the law in his own home one particular Christmas, ending with him in the clink!  But from then on he always had a merry quip about his brushes with "authority."  Whether it was being stopped on the M27 on his bike, or at OSPREY gate by the MOD plods.  He always told the story in a humourous, self-effacing manner with a touch of the Trotter twang!

I was so sad to hear of his death and even sadder not to know he was ill.  Also the news about George is not good, I assume that Mick Fellows will try and keep us posted.  I do not know his partner Jeannie, but will attempt to communicate with her.

Best wishes,

Mike"

From LMCDO '76 graduate Bernie Brüen in France:

"To David…

APPROACH TO THE GREEN 

(As in Fiddlers’ Green - The Legendary Valhalla of Sailors)

I look across the chart that is my life

And see, like ports and harbours,

Tidal creeks and streams,

All the happy times and oft' the ones of strife

That filled me with a joy of living and of dreams.

Yet many, lying soft like pools of misty grey,

But half remembered, never whole and clear to see,

Quietly and unnoticed, slide away

And softly lock their doors and hide away the key.

No more shall they be seen, nor bide

With me, that others share what I still know they are.

Like unknown shadow shapes of eventide

They fly; they fade in misty dreams afar.

And as I drift and let life slide me by,

So one by one each hatch is shut and locked and barred;

'Til only one direction, one last door I spy

And there a shining figure, sword in hand, stands guard.

Bernie UXB"

N.B. This poem is one of several Bernie has had published at www.warpoetry.co.uk/Bernie_Bruen_poetry.html.

From LMCDO '76 graduate Terry Iles in Guernsey:

"Really sorry to hear the sad, sad news about Dave Ellis.  I will be thinking of you all on 14 Aug and am sure you will give him a marvellous send off.

Yours aye,

Terry"

From LMCDO '76 graduate Gerry Kelly in Australia:

"Hi fellow course mates,

Just received the sad news of Dave's passing.  Thanks for tracking me down Rob, much appreciated.  Please remember me to Dave's wife.  We did meet during and after our course but, as I count on my fingers, it would be a few years now.

To the rest of you, it's good to see you are still in circulation.  I've been here a while now, family grown up and two grandchildren in the Kelly fold.  One of each to each of my daughters.  Eldest is an accountant and youngest a mechanical engineer.

I finished full time service in the RAN after 27 years.  Made Cdr (surprise!), two drives out of Darwin in patrol boats and a shore command in Sydney at HMAS Waterhen (MCM and Diving Forces) plus a bunch of staff jobs in Canberra and at Fleet in Sydney and a three year stint running diving training in the RAN.  Finished off in the INT world and a tour as an Embed in the US Embassy in Baghdad.  Settled in the Hunter Valley (about 160 kms North of Sydney).

I do some tax free reserve time but mostly I drive a road train (52.3m long, Prime mover + three trailers) or a B-Double configuration (26m, Prime + two trailers) for an owner operator.  Ship steel and general freight to Cairns and return with bananas from Innisfail; a round trip of just under 5,000 kms in five days. See lots of the bush! and a great change from Navy life (which I still sometimes miss... but not for long!).  Kelly the Truckie!  Hunter is well known for its vineyards and I have some acres in a quiet place called Congewai.

Contact details attached and it would be good to hear from you all.  If you find yourselves in our 'Great Southern Land' you are most welcome to stay.

Regards,

Gerry"

From LMCDO '76 graduate Jim Hewitt in Canada:

"Rob,

Thank you very much for asking Chris Deere to let me know about David.  It’s probably too late now to pass on to his family my condolences, but if not please do so.

Last time I saw David was during Operation CIMNEL in the Gulf in early 1988, just before I transferred back to the RCN.  He had just a few weeks earlier had a tangle with the props and rudders of a frigate which nearly led to an untimely underwater demise.  Not too much the worse for wear from that, he was our host for HMS Battleaxe's visit to Dubai, and he did an excellent job in setting us up with the local ex-pats.

I was also saddened to hear of Dusty Miller’s death.  We were the minesweeping team for the first week of the MCMG courses for some 18 months, and he kept me on the straight and narrow during my first few outings, and saved a few arms and legs on the sweepdeck on more than one occasion.

These things have just reminded me how rapidly life moves on, and I need to improve my efforts at keeping in touch with old comrades, especially as I neglected to thank you for the info you sent to Ralph Dreimanis when I retired last year.  Accordingly, I’ve just sent off my application to the MCDOA.  As soon as I’m signed up, I will send you a rundown on what I’ve been up to and, if you can believe it, I now work as a contractor for the Canadian Army!!!

Yurz aye,

Jim"

From LMCDO '76 graduate Steve Wild:

"Rob,

I am so sorry to read that Dave Ellis has “passed over”.

Kind regards,

Steve"

From LMCDO '76 Course Instructor ex-CPO(D) Mick Kester:

"Rob,

Sorry to hear the sad news about Dave Ellis.  I can remember him quite well on his LMCDO course although I believe I only met him again shortly after his qualification and our paths never crossed again.  And to think he's only a few miles from Plymouth...

Regards,

Mick"

From ex-CD and author of 'Diver' Tony Groom:

"Dave Ellis

He was one of life's Nice Blokes.  He was my Boss more than once, but he was also a mate.  Not an easy trick to pull off that.  The things he had to deal with just on one deep work up in Rothsay would boggle the mind nowadays, but he sailed through, always laughing.  I for one will miss him.

Tony Groom"

Dave Ellis (The Boss) in red hat

(Photo from Tony Groom)

From MCDOA past-Treasurer Graham 'Tug' Wilson:

"Tim Sizer and I will attend the funeral.  Dave was my Course Officer on CD2s' course in 1981 and Boss on the Clansman.  He also raised my CW papers!

Regards,

Tug"

From LMCDO '84A graduate Chris Lade:

"Rob,

Thank you for letting me know of Dave’s death.  He was a perfect foil to Pete Still; and his mild-mannered approach to his students was a welcome contrast to the old chief.  I will never forget how he performed when Steve had his accident.  He was the consummate professional and had it not been for him there is little doubt Steve would not have made it.  He was the first there and undoubtedly saved Steve’s life.

I had no idea he was unwell and would be grateful to know of the funeral arrangements.   Please pass my sympathies to the family.  I know only too well how hard these times will be for them.

Kind regards,

Chris Lade"

From LMCDO '79 graduate Allan Rankin in Australia:

"Rob,

Sorry to hear the sad news of the recent deaths of both Dusty Miller and Dave Ellis.   Both of these gentlemen will be remembered fondly, particularly Dusty because of his role as the Chief Mine Warfare Instructor to LMCDO 79.  May they rest in peace.

I will ensure that Gerry Kelly is informed of Dave’s passing.

Kind regards,

Allan"

From MCDOA member Ian Morton:

"Rob,

I spent many a happy week in Falmouth and Oban with Dave when he was DIVO1 and I was DIVO2 at the school.  I learned to windsurf on his board at Eastney in the early days of the Portsmouth Naval Windsurfing Club and spent many a wonderful day on the beach at Eastney with Dave, Liz and the kids.  I was his relief in the Saudi Minehunter project in 1994.

He is another sad loss too early in life.

Ian Morton"

From ex-CD1 Mick O'Leary:

"So saddened to hear the news about Dave. 

I had the privelege of working under Dave when he was boss of P&MCDT in 1980/81...some great memories of some really fun times.  A great bloke.  My prayers and thoughts are with Dave and his family.

Mick O"

From ex-CD1 Colin 'Nutty' Carr:

"I first met Dave when he was Boss of the Pompey bomb team in 1979.  Later we served together in Vernon school and again with him and Cris on the Clansman.

It’s always great to have a good boss and Dave was definitely one of the best.  His ability to communicate with people at every level, I know made him popular with everyone. There isn’t enough space here to tell all the tales we shared together; I know lots of us will have similar memories.  I’m sure he will be sadly missed by his family and my thoughts and condolences go out to them.  And I know he will be missed by everyone whose path he crossed.

I will raise a glass in a celebration of his life.

Nutty Carr"

From ex-WO(D) Chris 'Spike' Hughes in Qatar:

"Sorry to hear the sad news of Dave's passing.......lots of Famouth dits to tell, but perhaps not appropriate for this forum.

I was lucky to have the team of Dave and Cris Ballinger as my Leading Divers' Course Officer and Instructor respectively.  Their professionalism and common sense approach to training made the course one of my best periods in the Branch.

I've attached a photo of Dave and Cris with some of the scallywags of the Course onboard a FDT during the deep-phase in Falmouth.

Spike"

Dave Ellis (centre) with Leading

Divers' Course at Falmouth

From ex-CD1 Harry Wallace:

"I had the pleasure of working with Dave as my Boss on several occasions while in Pompey, he was a great guy and always had time to talk, my thoughts and prayers are also with Dave his family at this time, another great loss for the branch.

Harry Wallace"

From 1983 CD1 and LMCDO '84A & '84B Course Instructor Peter Still:

"It is with such a heavy heart that I convey my own deep sorrow at learning of Dave's last dive. I have had the privilege of working with him on a number of occasions and loved every minute of my time with him. He was a wonderful boss to work for and I will always be grateful for the exceptional times we had."

From ex-CD1 Phil 'Ozzie' Hammond:

"Ditto Pete, Dave was an exceptional Boss and course officer.  He was our boss on the CD1s' course you instructed with Henry Minn, Shep Sheppard, Hank Hancock, Spike Spears, Chris Christie and myself.  I was very saddened to hear of his early departure from us and my thoughts are with his family.

Rest in peace Dave.

Ozzie Hammond"

From ex-CD1 Steve Bielby:

"I was very fortunate in having Dave as my Course Officer for the duration of my CD1s' course in 1983.  Dave had a unique and gentle way about him but at the same time very professional in all that he did for us.  Peter [Still] was our course instructor and the professional bond between him and Dave was evident to me even then as a young PO and aspiring CD1.  They both gave me something to aim for and Dave particularly always had time to share his thoughts on our performance whilst on course.

We shared a drink together and I can remember him offering his excuses to leave early as he was studying with the televised Open Universitey at the time and his lessons were at the most ungodly hours.  As many have said, a nice bloke, great course Officer and no doubt a good friend too to many of us. 

RIP Dave, 5 Bells.

Steve B"

From LMCDO '84B graduate Clive Rogerson somewhere in the Mediterranean:

"Hi Rob,

Thank you for passing the very sad news.  Please pass my condolences to Dave's family. 

I wasn't aware that Dave was ill but it's hard to keep up with events when I live and work abroad.  I was looking forward to seeing Dave at the next MCDOA Dinner - he will certainly be missed by the guys of LMCDO '84A & B.  I'll do my next dive for Dave.

Best regards,

Clive Rogerson

Captain, MY Mirgab V"

From LMCDO '83B graduate David 'Topsy' Turner in New Zealand:

"Rob,

Having paid my weekly visit to the website I learn of the untimely, sad and heartbreaking news of Dave's passing.

As you will remember, Dave was your relief for our LMCDO Course (83B) just prior to our deep diving phase in Falmouth.  With his passion for all things Cornish (pasties, ice cream, pixies and the odd beer) it didn't take us too long to get to know our new Boss when we would prise him out of his flat in Falmouth somewhere and drag him along to the Grapes and other pubs along the road.

After qualifying I would often meet up with Dave at Southsea where we'd windsurf opposite Eastney Barracks, although I have to say he was always a far, far better surfer than I could ever dream to become.  I distinctly remember buying his Mini Cooper from him which went into the back of our removals truck when we moved up to Rosyth after taking HMS Ledbury (Lt Cdr Steve Gobey) out of Vospers, Old Portsmouth after a refit following the funnel fire in 1984.

A gentle man with a mellow cockney accent, Dave will be missed by a great many people far beyond the diving fraternity.  

Aye,

Topsy David Turner 

CDR RNZN

J53 Operational Plans

HQ JFNZ"

From MCDOA President Colin Welborn:

"Rob,

David's death is so close to home.  I had no idea he was ill until your e-mail last week.  I am committed to a BRNC camp with 300 cadets next week but will make every effort to be at David's funeral.  He and I spent much time together, especially during his ASBO and our 'blue' light lunch with CinC.  Brian Dutton fixed it, I think?

Take care,

Colin"

From LMCDO '84B graduate Jon Chapple in Canada:

"Hi Rob,

Thanks for adding Dave's Long Course students to the address list.  This is sad news indeed and a real shock.  There is a special and unstated bond between LTO and LMCDO course that endures throughout one's career.  Dave was one of the best and set each of his course students a high standard to emulate.  His passing is especially poignant as we approach the 25th anniversary of LMCDO 84A and B.  He will be missed.

Yours aye,

Jon Chapple"

From LMCDO '84A graduate Steve Marshall in the USA:

"Hi Rob,

I would like to endorse what Jon has said and this is very sad news.  I, of course, owe a huge debt of gratitude to Dave as he saved my life in 1984 when I had the diving accident.  I will, of course, never foget that.  He was an excellent LTO to us on course and I learnt much from him as a fellow SD new to the branch.

I am working in the USA at the moment, for the next three weeks and will drink a few beers for Dave tonight with the USN divers I am training.

Best wishes,

Steve

S M Marshall DSC

Diving Support Manager

Carleton Life Support Systems"

N.B.  For those who don't know, Steve's diving accident involved a catastrophic 'soda lime cocktail' at 180 ft which resulted in an unavoidably rapid free ascent requiring emergency therapeutic treatment.

Service of Celebration for the life of ex-CPO(MW) Dusty Miller

Anthony Keith (Dusty) Miller

(5 June 1948 - 13 July 2009)

It was standing room only at Portchester Crematorium this afternoon with over a hundred present for a 'Service of Celebration for the Life of ex-CPO(MW) Anthony Keith 'Dusty' Miller' (see entry for 13 Jul 09).  Apart from family and friends, there were representatives from the Anti-Submarine Warfare Instructors' (ASWIs' - formerly TASIs') Association, the Minewarfare Association (MWA), the MCDOA, the Association of RN First Class Divers (AORNFCD), Portsmouth's Continental Ferry Port and Portchester Social Club.   Familiar faces included Taff Reader, Pete Whitehead, Dixie Dean and Nigel 'Slim' Sizer of the MWA and Stew 'George' Sissons of the AORNFCD.

The Service was conducted by the Revd Paul Miles-Knight and attendees entered the chapel to the sound of Elgar's 'Nimrod' played by organist Judith Williams.  After the welcome, introduction and prayers, the congregation sang 'Love Divine' before hearing the lesson read by the Padre: 'They that go down to the sea in ships...' from Psalms, 107:23-30.  Dusty's son Adrian, who is hoping to enter the police force, then provided a moving tribute to his father describing the times they shared pursuing Dusty's interest in cars, boating, cricket, formula one racing, photography, cooking and gardening.  Adrian described a particular occasion when Dusty was stopped by the police in Fareham and asked whether there was any medical reason for him not wearing a seatbelt.  "Yes, amnesia," answered Dusty before the police let them proceed on their way.  Dusty's daughter Carol then read a poem about loss.

After more prayers, the congregation sang the Naval Hymn (Eternal Father) before the commendation, committal and blessing.  We then moved to Portchester Social Club to raise a glass in Dusty's memory and I had the opportunty to pass on our condolences to Dusty's widow Diane, his son Adrian and his daughter Carol.  Diane has kindly given me permission to reproduce the photo of Dusty from the front of the Order of Service, taken when he was running his own gardening business after he finished working at the Continental Ferry Port.

From ex-CPO(TASI) Pete Sowdon:

"Dear Rob,

Phil Wratten and I attended Dusty’s funeral the other day and it was lovely to see so many “old ships” there, although we did not recognise everybody - must be our old age!!  It was great to rekindle our friendship with Diane.  My wife used to be in touch with her when they both worked for the Met Police - Helen in Eastern Docks Dover and I believe Diane in London.

Dusty and I first met when he joined the Mine Warfare section at HMS Vernon just after he had qualified as a TASI – we travelled together to Scotland on many occasions when we attended as mine-hunting and mine-sweeping instructors.  He was a good ‘run ashore oppo’ known affectionately as ‘Dusty Miller Mine Warfare’ – another one of the old school……gone but not forgotten.

Yours aye,

Pete Sowdon

Ex-CPO TASI

PS: Regards to Brian Dutton and Dan Nicholson, should they still remember me."

I have forwarded Pete's e-mail to Brian Dutton and Dan Nicholson in the hope that they get in touch with him.

29 Jul 09 - Hauling Down messages

I have received copies of the following 'hauling down' messages from the departing Commanding Officers of two minehunters:

From Lt Cdr David Morgan RN of HMS Cattistock (23 July 09):

"It has been several months since the last Newsletter and, having then been alongside waiting to go into dry-dock, it's fair to say that things have progressed more than a little in the meantime.  HMS Cattistock docked down in December and, after a busy maintenance period, she emerged from the dock in April with a fresh coat of the newest hi-tech paint to keep the hull cleaner for longer (and therefore making us go faster) and overhauls or updates to much of the on board machinery and equipment.

We conducted trials at sea during April and May to prove that all the systems were working correctly before conducting minehunting training off Portsmouth and Weymouth.  On 6th June we anchored off Torquay to take part in their D-Day Memorial Parade, which was a particularly poignant experience for the members of the ship's company who were able to take part.  The stories of the veterans were memorable and put things into a new perspective.  In the middle of June, we became the first Royal Navy warship in over 30 years to open the ship up to visitors in Londonderry.  After that, we headed for Loch Goil, near Glasgow, to conduct noise ranging before heading around the top of Scotland to conduct magnetic ranging off Burntisland near Edinburgh.  Both sets of ranging are to ensure that we have the least chance of activating any mines.

HMS Cattistock passing under Foyle Bridge

(RN website photo)

We were privileged to take part in the first National Armed Forces Day in Chatham on 27th July.  We were the largest unit to take part in the river display and simulated the lead unit of a patrol heading upriver, accompanied by two patrol craft.  The Royal Engineers in their boats simulated an attack on us and we beat them off with our GPMGs, miniguns and the assistance of a Royal Marines boat, an Apache, Lynx and a Sea King, the last of which fast-roped Royal Marines into the attacking craft.  We then blew up the enemy HQ with our 30mm cannon before continuing upriver.  All in a day's work...

We have since conducted more minehunting training and are now due to go on Summer Leave.  After leave, we are looking forward to taking part in the Air Show off Bournemouth and, in conjunction with RFA Mounts Bay, we will be supporting their operation to rescue hostages from a ship before helping Royal Marine Reservists storming Bournemouth beach (for exercise only, I am assured).

We have been working up for Operational Sea Training (OST) in September and October before we deploy to the Gulf.  My relief, Lt Cdr James Byron, will be joining in August and I am sure he will write to introduce himself before the ship deploys in the New Year.

It has been a great pleasure to command HMS Cattistock and I have been delighted to continue our affiliation, which I hope will endure long into the future.

Yours,

David Morgan"

From Lt Cdr Andy Lamb RN of HMS Shoreham (18 July 09):

"I write to provide you with an update of 'your ship'.  Since we last visited Shoreham-by-Sea in March the ship has been busy undertaking a range of activities including strategic underwater reconnaissance around UK and various routine maintenance packages.  Much of our focus recently has been concentrated on preparing the ship and crew for an intensive five week period of training.  This infamous period of high activity and intense training/assessment includes examining the material state of the ship and how we operate her; from counting peas to firing weapons it is all assessed.  The training comes thick and fast and I am pleased to report that we have progressed well and that Shoreham and her ship's company have performed admirably.

HMS Shoreham visits Shoreham-by-Sea 

In many ways it seems like yesterday I wrote informing you that Crew 7 had taken over in 'your ship' and already we are preparing to hand her over in order that we can head to the Gulf and take over in our sister ship HMS Pembroke.  I have been in regular contact with your new CO (Lt Cdr Antony Crabb) and have kept him updated with news of our affiliation.  He and his team have been in the Gulf for the last six months and are looking forward to joining.  We are also examining possible options for another home town visit; the plan unconfirmed at this stage but Antony will be in touch once a date is known.

It has been a pleasure to command Shoreham and I have very much enjoyed our affiliation.  Crew 7 will soon be heading home for some well deserved leave before flying out to the Gulf in August.  Thank you for all your support over the past 12 months and we wish you all the best for the future.

Yours aye,

Andy Lamb"

Good luck to both David and Andy in their future appointments.

26 Jul 09 - Project Vernon Promotional Weekend at Gunwharf Quays

It is Sunday afternoon and I have just left the Project Vernon stand at Gunwharf Quays in the capable hands of ex-COMMW and past MCDOA President Richard Moore (who had driven up from Devon), former WO(MW) Dixie Dean MBE, former CPO(D) Peggy Neil, ex-SofD and founding MCDOA Chairman David Sandiford and former CPO(D) Mike Handford.  MCDOA member Martyn Holloway and former WO(D) John Dadd BEM were due on staton later in the day.  Thanks mainly to Dixie's organisational skills and sheer effort, we have enjoyed a highly successful promotional weekend with a gratifying amount raised for the project through the sale of limited edition prints of John Terry's superb oil painting 'Danger at Depth', copies of supplementary sketches and tickets for the Grand Summer Draw.  A fair bit, including the odd twenty pound note, was also thrown into the collection buckets by casual passers-by.

Project Vernon promotion stand before opening time 

Gunwharf Quays Managing Director Peter Emery, a patron of Project Vernon, kindly provided a good pitch and a display stand free of charge.  This was embellished with a cutaway Mk 17L moored contact mine, a Diving Set Self-Contained Clearance Diver (DSSCCD - final version of old CDBA), a rolling computerised presentation and various posters and flyers.  Project Manager Dave Carey even flew in from Dubai with some smart shirts monogrammed with the Project Vernon logo to give the volunteer staff a smart corporate image.

Left: Chris & Dave Carey, Dixie Dean and Martyn Holloway prepare for business

Right: Pauline Sandiford looks on as Dixie checks in

One of the early visitors yesterday was ex-FCPO(D) Mick Fellows MBE* BEM DSC, accompanied by his wife, who engaged in conversation with David Sandiford and Dave Carey.

Left: Mick Fellows conversing with Project Manager Dave Carey and David Sandiford

Right: David Sandiford, Dixie Dean and Mike Handford deal with plenty of public interest

Richard Moore with Peggy Neil 

Many people with past connections to HMS Vernon stopped for a chat including WO(MW) Andy Strickland, the Executive Warrant Officer (EWO) of HMS Westminster.  Even one of the Gunwharf Quays security guards, Michael Blake, donated a Siebe Gorman diving knife with brass scabbard and blue Sam Brown for auction in aid of the project.  Michael was a Royal Marine bandsman in the 1970s and dived with the RN quite often during his career.  There was tremendous interest shown by the public although it was a bit sad to meet some trainees from the Maritime Warfare School at HMS Collingwood who had never heard of HMS Vernon and its significant achievements. The monument and accompanying display will certainly fix that!

Left: Peggy Neil tells it like it was

Right: Mike Handford explains a finer point 

A particular highlight of the day was a chance visit by AB(Sea) Kay Marsh of HMS Daring who purchased a set of John Terry's sketches to send to her good friend, AB(D) Matthew Morton of HMS Atherstone, currently deployed in the Gulf.  Another satisfied customer was Chris Green, past Vice Chairman of the Ton Class Association (TCA), who bought a book of raffle tickets.

Left: Kay Marsh looking delighted with her purchase from Dixie

Right: Dixie with a happy Chris Green

On Saturday night a few volunteers, who all happened to be MCDOA members, gathered for a meal with their wives in the Loch Fyne fish restaurant occupying a wing of Vulcan Building rebuilt at Gunwharf Quays after having been destroyed during the Blitz.  Clockwise from left to right are Dave Carey, Pauline Sandiford, David Sandiford, Audrey Dutton, Brian Dutton, Ann Holloway, Martyn Holloway, Linda Hoole, Yours Truly (Rob Hoole) and Chris Carey.

MCDOA Project Vernon volunteers

gather for dinner at Gunwharf Quays

I would just like to say a final thank you to all who volunteered to serve on the stand, especially organiser Dixie Dean, as well as those others who turned up to offer their moral and financial support.  Particular thanks also to Southern Diving Unit 2 (SDU2) for arranging the delivery and collection of the mine and DSSCCD.  Watch this space for future Project Vernon events.  Have you done your bit yet?

24 Jul 09 - HMS Daring commissioned

Congratulations to MCDOA member Paddy McAlpine, the Captain of HMS Daring, on a successful commissioning ceremony yesterday as described in this article in the Portsmouth News.

Paddy McAlpine with the Countess of Wessex at the commissioning of HMS Daring

at Portsmouth on 23 July 2009

(RN website photos)

23 Jul 09 - SDU2 Callout

According to this article on the Norwich Evening News 24 website, members of Southern Diving Unit 2 (SDU2) were on their way to East Anglia tonight to deal with an unexploded shell.

22 Jul 09

Ancient and Modern

I am grateful to MCDOA Honorary Treasurer & Membership Secretary, Richard 'Soapy' Watson, for providing this item:

ANCIENT AND MODERN

(the kit, not the people)

Friday 17th July 2009 On the day that the trial of the new Clearance Diving Life Support Equipment (CDLSE) diving equipment completed, the Deputy Commander-in-Chief Fleet, Vice Admiral Richard Ibbotson CBE DSC (who was a Ship’s Diver for over 30 years), achieved a personal ambition to dive in historical standard diving dress while visiting the Defence Diving School (DDS).  The divers, comprising Lt Cdr Richard 'Soapy' Watson (CDLSE Trials Officer & DTO(N) DDS - right) and LS(D) Ian Rigg (CDLSE Trial Team member - left) wearing the new equipment (they are the ones in black!), entered the water of Horsea Lake with Vice Admiral Ibbotson.  Meanwhile, members of the Historical Diving Society (HDS) did the really hard work of turning the hand pump that supplied the air while the Admiral was in the water.

Vice Admiral Richard Ibbotson flanked by

LS(D) Ian Rigg and Lt Cdr Soapy Watson

This picture is a good one for the divers.  I served in HMS Hurworth as an AB(D) during the 1991 Gulf War with the now CPO(D) John “Yo-Yo” Ravenhall as an AB(D) and Peggy Neil as the Coxswain.  Hurworth was the lead ship with the then Lt Cdr Richard Ibbotson in Command and we disposed of 13 LUGM 145 mines.  Right to left below are LS(D) Ian Rigg, LS(D) Rob Sewell (back), Peggy Neil, WO(D) Graham Haran, CPO(D) Yo-Yo Ravenhall, me and PO(D) Smudge Smith.

Vice Admiral Ibbotson with DDS trials personnel

including old shipmates

The new diving equipment brings Naval Divers to the very forefront of technology and capability, providing them with a single set that, depending how it is configured, can be used for shallow water work or take them to extreme depths and is equipment that puts Royal Navy divers back at the leading edge of military capability worldwide.  Greater detail of the equipment will be available in October when Cdr Paul Jones [Superintendent of Diving and MCDOA Chairman] makes the CDLSE press release.

Vice Admiral Ibbotson in more familiar apparel

(RN website photo)

Vice Admiral Ibbotson will be the guest speaker at the MCDOA's Annual Dinner at HMS Excellent on 20 November 2009.

Navy and Army "Centurions" combine forces for "Barbarian stomp!”

The RN website contains this article describing a walk along Hadrian's Wall by RN and Army personnel in aid of Service charities. Not strictly MCDOA-related but the article does contain this photo with HMS Hurworth in the background:

Navy 'Centurions' pose with HMS Hurworth

(RN website photo)

21 Jul 09 - Funeral arrangements for former CPO(MW) Dusty Miller

Former WO(MW) Lee 'Barney' Barnett has informed me that the funeral of former CPO(MW) Dusty Miller, MW Module Instructor for LMCDO '79 (see entry for 13 Jul 09) among other achievements, will take place at 1400 on Friday 31 July at Portchester Crematorium. 

All are invited to Portchester Social Club, Castle Street, Portchester on completion of the service. The family has asked that no flowers be sent and that any donations in lieu (RNLI or RNBT) be forwarded to: Taylor & Wallis Funeral Directors, 125-127 West Street, Portchester, Hampshire PO16 9UF.

20 Jul 09 - New Personal Update

The Members Only area contains an update and this photo from MCDOA member Dave Hunkin in Bahrain.

RN/USN EOD Group in Bahrain

(Cdr Dave Hunkin RN, Cdre Brian Brakke USN,

Cdre Vince Martinez USN, Cdr John Craig RN)

19 Jul 09 - New Personal Update

The Members Only area contains an update from Cdre Gary Collier RNZN.

17 Jul 09

New artist's impression of Project Vernon monument

Project Vernon is the campaign to erect a monument, comprising a bronze statue of a diver wearing old-type CDBA with a Mk17L moored contact mine fouled by a length of sweepwire and explosive cutter, at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth to commemorate the mine warfare & diving heritage of HMS Vernon which stood previously on the site.  This heritage includes the WW II mining department, the Minewarfare School, the Admiralty Experimental Diving Unit, the Diving School, the mine countermeasures vessels that berthed on its jetties, the clearance diving teams and all the men and women who served in connection with them.  In its broadest sense, it will represent the entire RN and other Commonwealth navies' mine warfare and diving community – past, present and future.

Fleet Graphics Officer Steve Williams has just produced this inspirational artist's impression of the Project Vernon monument in position at Gunwharf Quays in what was once Vernon Creek.

Artist's impression of Project Vernon monument

The nearly twice life-size bronze statue, crafted by acclaimed Australian sculptor Les Johnson FRBS, is intended to be on a scale that makes it impossible to ignore by the thousands of visitors who frequent Gunwharf Quays each day.  It will be a lasting tribute to naval mine warfare, explosive ordnance disposal and diving including the mine warfare specialists, divers and everyone else involved in conducting, teaching and supporting these operations, ashore and afloat, particularly those who passed through the gates of HMS Vernon.  A plaque or interactive display will be installed at the water's edge to explain this heritage to passers-by.

This is an ambitious project costing over £250k but it needs to be to match the stature of the people involved and their significant achievements.  Every penny will count but it will take more than the odd fiver or tenner to see it reach fruition.  Whatever your connection, if you are as proud of your naval mine warfare and diving heritage as I am, then dig deep (for old time's sake, I've covered the cost of his Rolex, a fin and a suit inflation bottle).  Go to the Project Vernon website and make a generous donation now or spread a few smaller donations over a longer period.

John Terry's 'Danger at Depth'

Don't forget to attend our Project Vernon promotion weekend at Gunwharf Quays Sat 25 and Sun 26 July if you are in the area.  You will have the opportunity to buy tickets for our Grand Summer Draw or order limited edition prints of John Terry's superb oil painting, 'Danger at Depth' with all proceeds going towards the Project.

Martin Mackey completes ACSC

Congratulations to MCDOA member Martin Mackey on completing the Advanced Command and Staff Course (ACSC) at the Defence Academy, Shrivenham.  He has sent me this note and photo:

"...I'm on leave now having completed ACSC today.  We were entertained for half an hour as a final send off by the Red Arrows, which was superb although I still think they make good minehunting targets!  On that note, there were three of us on the course who all served in HMS HUBBERSTON together when Martin Woolley was in command. 

For your interest really I've attached a picture taken two nights ago at our end of course dinner.  Left to Right - Commander Kev Dodd (Gunz), Lt Cdr (Cdr desig) George Tabeart (YO) and Your's Truly (Navs).  The Ton Class spirit lives on!  Although, I now need to detox after what has been a fairly excessive final few weeks.

As ever,

Martin

HMS Hubberston reunion at Shrivenham

16 Jul 09 - New Personal Update

The Members Only area contains an update from MCDOA member Clive Rogerson afloat somewhere in the Mediterranean.

MY Mirgab V in St Tropez

(Capt Clive Rogerson)

15 Jul 09 - Paddy McAlpine's 'Boat' Open to Visitors

Today's Portsmouth News contains this article announcing that HMS Daring will be open to visitors in Portsmouth this weekend during a mini 'Navy Days' (see also entry for 2 Jun 09 and entry for 18 May 09 in News Archive 26).  The article includes this photo of her Captain, MCDOA member Paddy McAlpine:

HMS Daring Captain Paddy McAlpine with

Historic Dockyard chief executive Robert Bruce

(Portsmouth News website photo by Steve Reid)

14 Jul 09 - Three Men without a Boat

Sadly, the MCDOA's 'Not Quite the Last of the Summer Wine' trio of Barlow, Holloway and Hoole is currently up the creek without a paddle because Dougout is in dock.  Yesterday, we had to sail her round from Whale Island and lock into the marina at Port Solent, adjacent to Horsea Island, where she was due to be lifted out of the water this morning to have a new engine installed over the next week or so.

Above and below: Barlow's yacht Dougout at Port Solent

At least Dougout will have the opportunity to mingle with more affluent society in the meantime.

13 Jul 09

Crossed the Bar - Former CPO(MW) Dusty Miller

Former WO(MW) Dixie Dean has advised me that ex-CPO(MW) Dusty Miller passed away this morning after a short illness.  Dusty spent quite a bit of time teaching in the MW School as well as serving on the Torpedo Trials Team and, Dixie believes, CWTA (as it was called then), all based at HMS Vernon.  Dusty's wife Diane has asked, via former WO(MW) Barney Barnett, that all his friends and previous colleagues be informed.  Details of his funeral are not yet available.

My favourite memory of Dusty goes back to a particular LMCDO training week at EGUERMIN, the Belgian-Netherlands Minewarfare School in Ostend.  I think the year was 1979.  Dusty was the LMCDOs' MW instructor and I was one of the Vernon MW staff officers accompanying the course.  During our nightly tours of Ostend's back street restaurants and bars, Dusty carried his personal wine glass and an inexhaustible supply of Beaujolais Nouveau in the capacious inside pockets of his greatcoat.  Wherever we went, he produced glass and bottle with a flourish (out of sight of the patron, of course) and offered to top up anyone else who wanted any.

RIP Dusty.  We will miss you.  Sincere condolences to Diane.

From LMCDO '79 MW Module Course Officer Cdr Neill 'Dinga' Bell RAN on board USS George Washington:

Mate,

I am stunned to hear this news.  Dusty kept me on the straight and narrow on many occasions when there was a challenge to hand at the school and I still carry my First MCM Squadron tie that he used to wear all the time and then he passed on to me when I left to return to Australia!

I would like to join the ranks of the many to provide my sincere condolences to Diane and let her know that he holds a special place in my thoughts as we shared some 'moments' at sea that will remain with me forever!  I am at sea at the moment on board the USS George Washington for an exercise....out of retirement for a while.... and tomorrow when I gaze across the sea I will have my own moment's silence for a shipmate.

Take care yourself Rob,

Neill Bell

Cdr Neill 'Dinga' Bell RAN with Cdr Jeffrey DeBolt USN beside an

F/A-18E Super Hornet on board USS George Washington  

From MCDOA President and LMCDO '79 graduate Colin Welborn:

"Rob,

I was really quite upset to read that news.  I personally have so much to thank 'Dusty' for - a legend in his own lifetime, but he was so patient and passionate.  The drinking in Belgium I have not yet recovered from - there was a night at the MW School in Ostend when Dusty and I were caught on the way back and seen by the CO.  The water was cascading down the stairs and the only thing missing was a salmon.  We tried to explain to the Dutch CO that this was LMCDO '79 but he had none of it.

Such halcyon days - he will be missed.  I will make an effort to be at the funeral.  I presume it won't be a traditional coffin  - a replica of a bottle of Beaujolais Nouveau would be more appropriate and a glass of 'zeguzzen' on completion - no idea how to spell it but you all know what I mean!!

Take care,

Colin"

From MCDOA member and LMCDO '79 graduate Tim Curd:

"Rob,

Thanks for letting us know.  A very sad day indeed.  Suddenly makes you feel very mortal.

The main back street bar in question was the “Zeegusen Bar” (not sure of the spelling) where we all got rapidly hammered on the famous double-handed pot “Zeegusen” and, as you quite rightly say, Dusty stuck firmly, despite raucous persuasion from the '79 Long Course, to his favourite tipple Beaujolais Nouveau.  That run ashore has become a legend...

...Much, much more went on but after the Zeegusen Bar it’s all very hazy.  I know the Kok-Kok chicken restaurant came into it somewhere.

If you find out the date of the funeral please let me know.  If I can, I’d like to be there.

Longer and stronger,

Tim"

I have omitted a section of Tim's e-mail recounting 'that' run ashore in more detail so as to spare the blushes of others involved.  These included Neill 'Dinga' Bell (the RAN MCD exchange officer resposible for the LMCDOs' MW Module) and course members Sven Kalvoe RNoN, Taff Sweeney (since tx'd RAN), Bill Chambers, Allan Rankin (since tx'd RAN), Gordon Stamp (since tx'd RNZN), Andy Ryan and Colin Dodd.  As far as the Kok-Kok chicken restaurant goes, Tim is referring to this establishment shown with ex-CPO(MW) Taff Reader standing in front of it.  Legend has it that the record for consumption is held by ex-CPO(MW) 'Simmo' Simmonds who allegedly polished off 14 half-chickens in a single day.

Koekoek Chicken Restaurant in Ostend

(Courtesy of Taff Reader)

From my own point of view, I hired a car one afternoon of that particular week and drove from Ostend across Belgium and Holland into Germany to propose to Linda who was then teaching at RAF Wildenrath.  That's another story in itself but suffice it to say that the German police didn't take kindly to someone crossing the frontier at a closed border post at night.  I'm relieved to this day that RAN MCD exchange officer Neill 'Dinga' Bell managed to get the car back to Hertz within a minute of the noon deadline after he borrowed it the following morning.  As it was, my VISA bill for the 24-hour hire came to £124 which was a fair bit of money back then.  However, as Linda is still telling me thirty years later, she was worth it.  To repeat Colin's words, halcyon days indeed.

HMS Shoreham completes OST

The Royal Navy website contains this article announcing that HMS Shoreham has completed her Operational Sea Training (see also entry for 4 Mar 09 in News Archive 25).

12 Jul 09

Proposed Minewarfare & Divers' Middle East Dinner (MADMED)

The attention of any members likely to be in the Middle East in mid-October is drawn to the 'Upcoming Events' page in the Members Only area.

More about Lt Cdr John Futcher MBE RN

Former WO(D) Dave 'Mona' Lott in Australia has sent me this additional information about ex-MCDO John Futcher (see entry for 24 Jun 09): 

"G'day Rob,

A small amount of further information about John Futcher, ex-MCDO, who engaged me in a highly interesting 45 minute telephone call yesterday evening. 

Among the many things John talked about was that Dave (Ginger) Lermitte was one of the other members on his MCDO's qualifying course.  John also mentioned Hoppy Hopewell and AB(CD) Ginger Bitchard (who qualified CD3 with me) as part of the unit that accompanied him to the USA for some trials work.  Bill Filer received several mentions with great respect.

I think John mentioned his own age as being 81 and he told me that he intends to get himself a computer after he and his wife had visited Joe Cook and his wife Irene, who had kindly shown him all over your excellent MCDOA website.  This has actually prompted John to give serious consideration to obtaining and learning to use a computer.  John also mentioned that he had bumped into George Wookey during a visit to Western Australia shortly before George left us.  Also mentioned was that at one part of his career he was the CO of HMS Dingley with PO(CD1) Ted Butler as his coxswain.  

I don't know if you could please manage it but John would sincerely like to be remembered to both "Uncle" Bill Filer and Hoppy Hopewell.  And if any remembrances are returned from either of them then either I or Joe Cook would certainly deem it a pleasure to be able to pass on any such messages to John which no doubt would really make for a bright event in his life.

My sincere regards,

Dave (Mona) Lott"

I have relayed John's sentiments to venerable MCDOA Honorary Life Member 'Uncle Bill' Filer MBE GM who told me he would pass them on to Hoppy Hopewell at their next weekly meeting in Lee-on-the-Solent.

Incidentally, Lt Cdr David 'Ginger' Lermitte (mentioned above) led members of the Royal Navy's Far East Clearance Diving Team, backed up by Clearance Divers from the Royal Australian Navy's CDT1 and HMS Sheraton, to conduct the first surveys of the wrecks of the battleships HMS Repulse and HMS Prince of Wales in the South China Sea in 1965 and 1966 respectively.  See here for his reports re-printed from the RN Diving magazine.

I have also received this e-mail from from ex-CD1 Tony 'Willy' Wilkes:

"Hi Rob,

I served under John Futcher in HMS Dingley in 1958.  He was one of the finest officers I ever served with, similar to Arthur Checksfield.  I've sent an e-mail to the RSL and hope it finds him.

Yours aye,

Willy Wilkes"

11 Jul 09

Death of Alastair 'Al' Sydney Cuthbert

Captain Alastair Sydney Cuthbert MN

12 August 1929 - 17 June 2009

Morty Drummond has informed me of the death of fellow MCDOA member Alastair 'Al' Cuthbert on 17 June in Dawesville, Western Austrailia.  He was two months short of his 80th birthday.

According to Morty, Al Cuthbert hailed from Scotland and was originally in the RNR but qualified as a CDO in the RN in the mid-1950s.  He overlapped with Morty on exchange in Australia in 1957 as the CO of the diving tender attached to the RAN Diving School at HMAS Rushcutter in Sydney under the auspices of the TAS establishment, HMAS Watson.  He returned to the UK and is believed to have served in HMS Brenchley, the diving tender attached to the 51st Minesweeping Squadron based at HMS Lochinvar in Port Edgar on the Forth, but he transferred to the RAN sometime afterwards.  On retiring from the RAN as a Lt Cdr, he worked in the offshore diving industry and commanded oil rig support ships before settling in Dawesville.  His interests included diving, travelling, camping, sailing, kayaking, tennis, ornithology (he was Chairman of the Broome Bird Observatory) and woodturning.

I have often corresponded with Al and his wife Ann, particularly in a three-way link with the late George Wookey, World Deep Diving Record breaker and another ex-RN MCDOA member living in Western Australia.  Al always took an interest in the Association's affairs via the website and we extend our sincere condolences to his widow Ann and their three children: Andrew (a Sat Diving Supervisor), Susan and Alex, and their three grandchildren: Nicholas, Amy and Simon.

AB Christopher Johnston Inquest Verdict

In his role as RN Superintendent of Diving, MCDOA Chairman Paul Jones has asked me to publish this announcement concerning the inquest into the death of AB Christopher Johnston RNR after diving at Horsea Island (see first entry for 9 Jul 09):

"Personal from Superintendent of Diving – A jury at the Portsmouth Coroner’s Inquest returned a verdict of ‘accidental death’ in the case of AB Chris ‘Johnno’ Johnstone (RNR) who tragically died last June during a routine training dive at Horsea Island.  Incorrectly reported last year as a heart attack, the established cause of death was a pulmonary barotrauma leading to a fatal Cerebral Arterial Gas Embolism.

The Coroner was generous in his praise for the valiant efforts of the on site divers and his buddy who did their very best to revive him but to no avail and on behalf of Johnno’s family thanked them individually for their efforts.  Johnno’s wife attended the Inquest throughout.  On behalf of our tight knit diving fraternity of which Johnno was a member, may our thoughts and sincere condolences go out to Mrs Sharon Johnstone and their children."

Answer to Tattoo Teaser

In the entry for 30 Jun 09 in News Archive 26, I published this photo of a tattoo sported by a well-known MCDOA member encountered by the MCDOA's 'Not Quite the Last of the Summer Wine' trio of Barlow, Holloway and Hoole at Hornet Sailing Club in Gosport earlier the same day.

Tattoo Teaser

Here is the owner revealed:

Martyn Holloway with Simon Nicholson

at Hornet Sailing Club on 30 Jun 09

Yes, it was ex-RN Superintendent of Diving and former MCDOA Chairman, Simon Nicholson.  His final job in the Royal Navy was as the married unaccompanied British Representative on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean for 14 months where he acted as the Commanding Officer of Naval Party 1002 and as the local magistrate and judge for all legal matters dealing with British law.  He also had responsibility for the British customs personnel, Royal Overseas Police Officers (ROPOs) and a complement of Royal Marines who patrol and protect the entire British Indian Ocean Territories.  He acquired his tattoo somewhere along the line.

Simon is currently re-fitting his 45 ft Southerly RS 135 yacht Alambil at Hornet Sailing Club prior to circumnavigating the world in six-month stages, accompanied by his wife Jeanette.  The first part of the passage will involve transiting the French inland waterways from the Channel to the Mediterranean.  He showed us around his yacht including the master cabin aft, double cabin forward, saloon acommodating four additional berths, well-appointed galley and brand new compartment for the diving air compressor he intends installing.

'Not Quite the Last of the Summer Wine Trio'

boards Nicholson's yacht Alambil

Simon and Jeanette intend inviting friends to join them for short periods as they circle the world so watch this space.

10 Jul 09

Beverly Lade's funeral

I regret that I was unable to attend the funeral of MCDOA member Chris Lade's wife Beverly in Lee-on-the-Solent yesterday (see entry for 23 Jun 09) but Paul Jones, our Chairman, tells me that it was:

"...very (very) moving and Chris Lade and the children should feel incredibly proud of the send off they gave to a dearly missed wife and mum.  Lots of uniformed attendance (as he wished) with plenty of MCDOs supporting."

HMS Middleton helps get Bristol balloon fiesta off the ground

The Bristol Evening Post website contains this article describing how HMS Middleton marked the 100th anniversary of naval aviation at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.

9 Jul 09

Diver dies after failing to breathe out on his ascent

Today's Portsmouth News contains this article describing the inquest into the death on 24 June 2008 of AB Christopher Johnstone RNR after a dive at Horsea Island. 

HMS Blyth to visit Blyth tomorrow

Today's News Post Leader contains this article about a four-day visit by HMS Blyth to her afiliated town of Blyth starting tomorrow.

John Ouvry's mine

HMS Belfast on the Thames

On Tuesday, I accompanied the late Cdr John Ouvry DSO RN’s youngest son, David, and the WW II veteran RNVR bomb & mine disposal officer and author, Noel Cashford MBE, to a meeting on board the Imperial War Museum’s Second World War veteran cruiser HMS Belfast in the Pool of London.  The purpose of our visit was to discuss plans with HMS Belfast's Director, Brad King, for a high profile lunchtime function on 26 November to mark the 70th anniversary of John Ouvry rendering safe the first German magnetic mine at Shoeburyness on 23 November 1939.  This feat enabled its secrets to be revealed at HMS Vernon where effective countermeasures were subsequently developed.  As a result, John Ouvry and his team were presented with the first Naval Honours of WW II by King George VI on Vernon's parade ground on 19 December 1939.

Historic photos of John Ouvry and his mine

HMS Belfast is the obvious venue because she has Ouvry’s mine on display and was herself seriously damaged by a magnetic mine on 21 November 1939 as she left the Firth of Forth.  This mine, laid on 4 November by U-21 under the command of Kapitänleutnant Fritz Frauenheim, caused 34 of Belfast’s crew to be injured, broke her keel and wrecked her hull and machinery to such an extent that it took nearly three years to repair her at Devonport.

Left: Brad King, David Ouvry and Noel Cashford with John Ouvry's mine on board HMS Belfast

Right: David Ouvry, Rob Hoole and Noel Cashford with John Ouvry's mine on board HMS Belfast

At our meeting, I took the opportunity to stress John Ouvry’s legacy with regard to post-war RN bomb & mine disposal right up to the present day in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere, including mainland UK.  All I need do now is find a suitably eminent serving RN officer to address this aspect as part of a presentation on the day.  To this end, I hope to engage the help of such a person as Captain Mine Warfare & Patrol Vessels, Diving and Fishery Protection (CMFP - soon to be MCDOA member Mark Durkin) otherwise this task will fall to me.  Not only am I no longer current but my best uniform seems to have shrunk recently!  

I also reserved space to promote Project Vernon, the campaign to erect a statue of a diver and mine at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth to commemorate the mine warfare & diving heritage of HMS Vernon, Ouvry’s base of operations and the former occupant of the Gunwharf Quays site.  As you well know, Vernon-trained naval personnel (including Noel Cashford who rendered safe over 200 devices alone) were deployed country-wide to deal with bombs and land mines before, during and after the Blitz.  The inordinately high number of decorations awarded to this small band of individuals is testament to their industry and gallantry.

Although John Ouvry is no longer with us (I attended his funeral at All Saints' Church in Milford-on-Sea on 5 March 1993), his grand-daughter Jan is a Lt Cdr in the Royal Navy and she attended the MCDOA's annual dinner at HMS Excellent in November 2006 while still a Lt.

Jan Ouvry with MCDOA President

Colin Welborn in Nov 2006

8 Jul 09

Project Vernon Promotion weekend at Gunwharf Quays

Project Vernon is running a retail outlet stand at Gunwharf Quays (the former site of HMS Vernon) in Portsmouth over the weekend 25 & 26 July 09.  The aim is to raise funds for the monument by selling tickets for the Grand Summer Draw and remaining prints of John Terry's superb painting, 'Danger at Depth'.  If you have a couple of hours to spare and would like to help on the stand, please contact the event coordinator, Dixie Dean, at dixie.dean@vernon-monument.org. 

If you are anywhere near Gunwharf Quays over that weekend, pop in and see us on the stall and buy some tickets.  Any support for this unique project is most welcome.  We have already raised several tens of thousands of pounds but need everyone's help to raise even more if we are to see it reach fruition.

Dig deep chaps.

Ex-RN CDs in action off Qatar

I have received this e-mail from ex-WO(D) Spike Hughes in Qatar:

"Hi Rob,

Hopefully, this e-mail finds you fit and well, and of course enjoying the British summer sunshine :-)

I thought you and the readers may be interested in this article about the Rig-Support Vessel MV Demas Victory, which sank in rough seas in the Doha Channel this week.  It was also covered by Sky News here and in the Gulf Times here and here.  What the articles don't mention is that the following ex-RN divers were involved:

1.   My good self - as part of the Qatar Search and Rescue Team and Coastguard, involved in the initial search and recovery of the victims (I was the first to enter the wreck and retrieved the first crew members, confirming no survivors), and worked as the Military Rep alongside the Halul Offshore Divers.

2.   John Meakin (ex-CPO(D)) - as part of the Qatar Navy Team, who took charge of the team that used explosives initially to gain safer entry into the wreck.

3.   Onboard the Halul Offshore Saturation Diving Support Vessel involved in the supervision and cutting into the wreck using Broco:

Neil (Nick Lawson) ex-CD2 - Saturation Superintendent

Brin Morgan ex-CD3 - Qatar Petroleum Representative

Alex (Taff) Templeton ex-CD3 - Saturation Diver

Unfortunately, I didn't get the opportunity to take any photos (I spent most of the four days underwater), but there were press and miltary photographers present so I will attempt to get a couple if available.

Nice to see the 'Old Boys' - I dread to think of the combined age - still out there doing it! [By Webmaster: I assume that Spike is referring to the MCDOA's youthful 'Not Quite the Last of the Summer Wine' trio here!]

Vbr,

Spike

Spike Hughes MIExpE

Senior Diving Trainer

Qatar Internal Security Force" 

7 Jul 09 - New Personal Update

I have received an update from MCDOA member Martin Mackey which I've posted in the Members Only area.  This photo shows Martin dining at the Gulshan Indian Restaurant in Shrivenham last week with fellow MCDOA members Pete Williams, Jim Nisbet and Don Crosbie.  They were joined by MCD Lt Cdr Mike Oborn RAN who undertook his MW training in 1998 when Martin was an exchange officer on the staff at the RAN MW School in Sydney.  

MDOA gathering in Shrivenham July 2009

Clockwise from front: Mike Oborn, Don Crosbie,

Martin Mackey, Pete Williams and Jim Nisbet.

How about a few more updates from other MCDOA members spread around the bazaars?

3 Jul 09 - Families give HMS Brocklesby sailors huge welcome

Today's Portsmouth News contains this article about HMS Brocklesby's homecoming yesterday.

2 Jul 09 - HMS Brocklesby comes home

I stood on the Round Tower at the entrance to Portsmouth harbour in glorious weather this morning to help welcome HMS Brocklesby back home from her six-month deployment with SNMCMG1 in the Baltic, North Sea and Mediterranean.  During her absence, she disposed of six wartime bombs and her NATO task group dealt with 20 tons of legacy ordnance overall.  She even disposed of another WW II bomb in the North Sea the day before yesterday on her way back from Kiel.

While waiting, I had the pleasure of meeting Tina, wife of Brocklesby's coxswain, PO(D) Ken Smith, together with their son Louis.

Tina and Louis Smith

Having embarked the Second Sea Lord (Admiral Sir Alan Massey) at Spithead, Brocklesby appeared out of the haze escorted by QHM's launch and a MOD Police boat before turning to enter harbour.

Above and below: HMS Brocklesby enters harbour

After a bit of vigorous waving, Tina and Louis headed for 2 Basin in the naval base where Brocklesby was welcomed alongside by more families and friends, other ships of the Second MCM Squadron and a Royal Marines band. 

A final wave from Tina and Louis before they head for the naval base to greet Dad 

If any 'Brocs' would like higher resolution copies of these and other photos, contact me via my webmaster address here.  

1 Jul 09

HMS Brocklesby home tomorrow

Today's Portsmouth News contains this article about the return of HMS Brocklesby tomorrow from her six-month deployment with Standing NATO MCM Group 1 (SNMCMG1).  She is due at Outer Spit Buoy at 1000 before entering Portsmouth.

HMS Brocklesby off Portsmouth

(Portsmouth News photo)

Navy News items 

The July issue of Navy News contains these items of MCDOA interest:

• Cattistock calls in at Stroke City: A visit to Londonderry by HMS Cattistock.

• Ship proves her worth on hometown visit: A visit to Hurworth-on-Tees by HMS Hurworth.

• The age of Extremes: Visits to Fort William and Kinlochbervie by HMS Penzance.

• Ian's feet of endurance: The participation of CPO(D) Ian 'Scouse' Fleming in the 65-mile Project Pegasus run.

• Fantastic in plastic: A letter by ex-CD Christopher Roddis about the new RN Diver action figure.

• Interest in Iveston: A visit to TS Iveston by the Master of the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers.

Back to top

News Archives

Home